Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Cornell College University of Wisconsin

WILLIAM PARSONS Obituary

William S. Parsons
Passed away on December 23, 2016. A loving husband, father, son and brother who made an impact on everyone who met him. Throughout his career, he was committed to making the world a better place by "pushing back" on hate, prejudice, and evil. He was committed to teaching us to face our humanity and learn from our history to build a better future for the generation to come. He received national recognition for his leadership, passion, and commitment to teaching the lessons of genocide and the Holocaust and to recognize it was the result of individual and institutional choices. Bill retired in 2015 as Chief of Staff of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. after 25 years of service. Before becoming Chief of Staff, he founded and directed the Museum's Education Program. For forty years, he was in demand as a speaker, writer, and advisor for programs that brought lessons of prejudice, genocide and the Holocaust to audiences, leading them to think about their personal behavior and the implications of this history on the world we live in today. He co-founded the Massachusetts-based Facing History and Ourselves National Foundation, the seminal and nationally-recognized teacher training program for middle and high school students. His published works include: Facing History and Ourselves: Holocaust and Human Behavior (co-author, 1982); The Middle Passage (contributing writer and editor, 1986); A World of Difference: Teacher/Student Study Guide (contributing writer, 1987); The African Meeting House: A Sourcebook (co-author, 1988); Everyone's Not Here: Families of the Armenian Genocide, A Study Guide (1989); and co-edited Century of Genocide: Eyewitness Accounts and Critical Views and Centuries of Genocide: Critical Essays and Eyewitness Accounts. Mr. Parsons earned a BA in History from Cornell College and an MA in Teaching from the University of Wisconsin. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his leadership and publications. Mr. Parsons is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his son, Scott; his two grandchildren; brothers, James and Brad; sister, Ellen, and many other relatives.The memorial service for William S. Parsons will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017 11 a.m. at National Presbyterian Church, 4121 Nebraska Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20016.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM PARSONS

16 Entries

Michelle Sutherland

December 19, 2017

I am so sorry to have found Mr. Parson's obituary after recently searching online to locate him. I was fortunate enough to have this amazing man as my teacher, participating for 2 years in the Facing History, Facing Ourselves pilot at the Lincoln School in Brookline, Mass. He was passionate, innovative, and created a safe environment where young minds were able to feel and process this overwhelmingly powerful curriculum, impacting our perspective forever. I had the opportunity to visit him when I was in college and am thankful that I was able to express my gratitude to him personally. My sincerest condolences to his family members for this great loss.

Marilyn Thomas

January 26, 2017

Dear Sylvia and family,

I was so sorry to learn of the loss of your husband William S. Parsons. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Please know that the family is in my prayers.

I work as Bill's secretary in the early days of his career when he became the Director of Education at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. He was a kind man, and a great listener who made you feel appreciated no matter who you were. He was always considerate of other people and a professional. I will never forget him.

May the 23 Psalm comfort you and your family.

With deepest and heartfelt sympathy.

January 18, 2017

Sylvia, We are so very sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was an inspiration to so many people. We are so glad you came into our lives, we will cherish our memories of times spent together.

Judi and Bill Hornsey

Audrey Kalajian

January 10, 2017

Very dear Sylvia,

My heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of your family.

Bill made such a difference in his lifetime. I will always remember him with such fondness, respect, and admiration.

Much love,
Audrey

Gladys Bohler

January 9, 2017

My Dear Sylvia,

My Dear Sylvia, This is Gladys Bohler, previous employee of NINDS.

Had I been in Maryland, I would have wanted to attend your dear husband's service.

I know you as a gentle loving spirit. I don't believe I ever met your husband, however, a reading of the obituary, demonstrates the wonderful person he was and continues to be through his contributions.

My best to you and your family. I wish for you only the best of what remains this year and the many to come.

January 5, 2017

Dear Sylvia,
My heartfelt condolences to you.
Bill will be dearly missed.
Kevork Bardakjian

Janice Cordell

January 5, 2017

Dear Sylvia,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. May his memory be a blessing.

Sincerely,
Janice

Laurens Ayvazian

January 4, 2017

Sylvia jan,
My condolences over Bill's passing. While his difficult journey is over, the challenge of adjustment now begins for you and other family members. I pray that God bring you comfort as you reflect back on the love you shared and the life of meaning and dedication that he lived.
Very sorry I will be out of the country at the time of the service. Much love to you at this time.

David Boyajian

January 4, 2017

I heard William Parsons speak more than a decade ago at an event at Tufts University and briefly chatted with him afterwards.

He was a principled and very courageous man who shall be missed.

rena Finder

January 4, 2017

dear Sylvia and to all of Bill's family,in face of such loss,words are meaningless,Bill was loved by so many,he will never be forfgotten.my heart goes out to all of you.the heart grieves for what it lost,the soul rejoices for what it had .He will be missed forever .

Holli Hamilton

January 4, 2017

Dear Sylvia,
I am thinking of you. Time will allay grief and you will always be able to cherish being part of a life so well lived.

Karen Brummett

January 4, 2017

Sylvia,
So sorry for your loss. I will pray for God to comfort you and your family in the days to come.

Karen Brummett

Anne Oliphant

January 1, 2017

Sylvia,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. He was an extraordinary man, who brought good to the world, and stood against evil.
You are in my prayers.
Love, Anne (Liz's sister in DE)

January 1, 2017

We were shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great friend at U-High and Cornell College. We enjoyed the special tour of the Holocaust Museum he gave us several years ago and having dinner with him and Sylvia.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

With Love, Dave, Marna and Annie Rehage

December 29, 2016

To Sylvia, Ellen, and other family members:
We had several occasions to socialize with Bill and Sylvia. We also had connections to his father, mother, sister, and brother-in-law in Massachusetts. He was a vital component of a vital family who have all given to a more just and loving society.
Quent & Joann Sewell
Ashland, MA

December 29, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results